Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Myer

This sign marks the site of the proposed Buffalo Soldiers Memorial

Following the Civil War four regiments (9th and 10th Cavalry; 24th and 25th Infantry) of African-American enlisted men, under the command of white officers, were formed to fight on the Western frontier. They did so with distinction being nicknamed "Buffalo Soldiers" by their Native American opponents. As a reward for outstanding service, Troop K of the 9th Cavalry was stationed at Fort Myer from 1891-1894. They were the first African-American unit stationed east of the Mississippi River near a large metropolitan area after the Civl War.

Then from 1931-1949 the Machine Gun Troop of the 10th Cavalry served at Fort Myer performing cavalry and ceremonial functions. In 1948 President Truman signed an Executive Order desegregating the Armed Forces. The same year he also brought the Army's oldest unit, the 3d US Infantry Regiment, to Fort Myer for ceremonial and security functions. In 1949 the 10th Cavalry left Fort Myer. They were the last of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Myer.

MEDALS OF HONOR

9th Cavalry Regiment

*Captain Francis S. Dodge, Troop D

*2d Lieutenant George R. Burnett

2d Lieutenant Matthals W. Day, Company I

2d Lieutenant Robert T. Emmet, Troop G

1st Sergeant Moses Williams, Company I

Sergeant Thomas Boyne, Company C

Sergeant John Denny, Troop B

Sergeant George Jordan, Company K

*Sergeant Henry Johnson, Company D

*Sergeant Thomas Shaw, Company K